Tasmanian orchard revives lost apple varieties
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Agricultural scientists and volunteers in Launceston, Tasmania, are working to preserve heritage apple varieties that colonial settlers introduced over 100 years ago.
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) received over 140 heritage apple trees from the state government to expand a heritage-listed orchard at their Newnham campus. These trees, including varieties like Delicious Royden Red and Cox Orange Pippin, have been added as a “living bank” to protect them from being lost.
Researchers plan to study the trees’ flowering, pollination, and harvest times to recover data lost over the years, while also applying modern growing techniques to compare fruit production. The project also involves community outreach, with the university hosting workshops to teach local gardeners about apple tree care and pest control. Local gardener Chris Davey reported learning new strategies for pest control and pruning while assisting with the orchard.
The revitalised orchard will also serve as an outdoor classroom for University of Tasmania students studying agricultural science, connecting them to the history of apple growing in the region.
